Centre’s  “Fatwa “: 18 Mining licenses cancelled

21.05.10 Mangalore : The Central Government has issued an order on Thursday-May 20, like a shock treatment to a disease, to stop mining in 18 mines, by cancelling the licenses of those mine owners. The said mines are in Karnataka, in Bellary (3) Hospet (3) and Sandur (12) in the border district with   AP. Possibly, apart from Iron ore, other ores like Magnesium are also covered by the central order from the ministry of mines. Centre has accused the miners of illegal mining.

It may be recalled that even the state Governor Hans Raj Bhardwaj was agitated against 3 ministers who held shares in Obalapuram mining company in Karnataka and AP, and shifted the border stones audaciously to facilitate such illicit money making activities. The state Governor issued a show cause notice to Gali Janardhana Reddy and others. Union Law minister backed the governor’s action and Congress leader of opposition Siddaramaiah also stated in public on May 20 that the Governor could pull up state ministers and CM, when they were on a wrong path. CM has cautioned his cabinet colleagues.

The Central order to stop mining comes into effective action immediately, on May20. The present licenses for transportation of mined ores have been ordered to be confiscated by state police officers. Since May 10, a total of 41 mines in Bellary district have been served notices to close their activity, while 18 mines are to be closed now.